Federal Funding Fuels Nevada's Broadband Initiative

Extending broadband's reach to all Nevadans is a huge challenge. Nevada is the 7th-largest state in the U.S., but ranks just 32 in population, making it one of the least densely populated states in the country. Nearly three-quarters of Nevada's people live in Clark County which is home to the state's four largest cities, including Las Vegas. But, in 2000, over half of Nevada’s counties had fewer than 2 people per square mile. The vast majority of the land in Nevada (about 86%) is managed by various parts of the federal government. The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management alone manages 63% of Nevada. In response to the COVID pandemic, the state launched the High Speed Nevada Initiative. The objective is universal access to modern broadband infrastructure that provides all Nevadans access to an affordable, reliable, and scalable high-speed internet connection at their home or business. The initiative is combining federal, state, local, and private funding to close the digital divide. The state will use available funds to invest in long-term, life-changing infrastructure assets that will benefit Nevadans in their homes, schools, and places of business for years to come.